Legal Administrative Assistants provide essential administrative support to lawyers, legal teams, and justice-related departments within the Department of National Defence. You will manage the flow of legal work by maintaining files, scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and ensuring that legal processes run smoothly and efficiently. This role is critical to supporting the delivery of legal services that protect Canada's interests and support military operations.
In this position, you will handle a variety of tasks including drafting routine legal documents, managing legal files and records, coordinating meetings and hearings, and communicating with clients, courts, and other government departments. You may also assist with legal research, maintain statute and regulation databases, and prepare materials for legal proceedings. Your attention to detail and organizational skills will directly impact the effectiveness of legal counsel and the timely resolution of legal matters.
You will work in a professional legal environment, typically within military headquarters, regional legal offices, or justice-related departments. While your primary workspace is an office setting, you may occasionally support legal professionals in the field or participate in virtual meetings. This role requires you to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Perform administrative support duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for a Legal Administrative Assistant position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed a post-secondary program in legal administration, office administration, or a related field from a community college or private training institution.
Key competencies include proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), familiarity with legal terminology and procedures, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of legal databases and document management systems is an asset. Some positions may require or prefer certification through professional organizations such as the Legal Administrative Professionals Association.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training specific to DND legal operations, including orientation to military legal processes, departmental procedures, and relevant legislation. The Government of Canada supports continuous professional development, and you may have opportunities to pursue additional certifications, attend professional conferences, or take courses in specialized legal areas that align with your career goals.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Legal Administrative Assistant career in the federal Public Service occurs through several pathways:
**Public Service Job Competitions**: The primary route is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Positions may be posted as indeterminate (permanent) or term-based depending on departmental needs.
**Student Programs**: DND participates in federal student employment programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI). These programs allow students and recent graduates to gain experience while exploring a career in the public service.
**Lateral Moves and Deployments**: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service in an administrative role, you may transition to a Legal Administrative Assistant position through internal competitions or deployment opportunities. This path leverages your existing public service experience and security clearance.
**Pools**: Some departments maintain recruitment pools of qualified candidates to fill positions quickly when vacancies arise. Successful candidates in a competition may be added to a pool for up to 12 months.
All applicants must obtain a valid security clearance appropriate to the position, typically Secret level, which requires a background check.
Part-Time Options
Legal Administrative Assistant positions in DND are typically full-time, permanent roles; however, part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs and departmental policy.
**Flexible Work Options**: Employees may be eligible to negotiate flexible schedules, compressed work weeks, or job sharing arrangements with their manager, subject to operational requirements and collective agreement provisions. These arrangements must support the continuity of legal services and file management.
**Remote and Hybrid Work**: Depending on the location and specific legal unit, some duties may be performed remotely, particularly administrative tasks such as document preparation and file organization. However, regular on-site presence is typically required to manage physical files, support in-person meetings, and maintain direct communication with legal staff. Remote work arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis by the supervising legal counsel or department.
**Leave and Benefits**: As a federal public servant, you will have access to comprehensive leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, family-related leave, and other statutory entitlements. The Public Service Pension Plan and federal health and dental benefits provide long-term financial security.
